Alumna Dr. Melody D. Phillips was invited back to her alma mater this month to be recognized along with other alumni.

The Texas Christian University kinesiology assistant professor was recognized at the Distinguished Alumni Awards held by the College of Education. Phillips graduated in 1994 with a Bachelor of Arts in exercise, sports and health studies.

Although the university has a distinguished alumni gala, the college created a wall of fame beginning with began with 1995 graduates recognize and share its successes regularly with visitors, students and alumni.

“I love UTA,” Phillips said. “I highly respect TCU’s undergraduate and graduate program in the kinesiology department.”

At first her interest was biochemistry and journalism, but after talking to Eugene W. Anderson, then-chair of kinesiology, she changed her major to exercise physiology, she said.

Phillips has conducted numerous studies, including a recent study regarding how exercise limits inflammation and decreases cardiovascular diseases. Currently she is studying obese post-menopausal women’s strength.

“I learned at UTA that working with human subjects is enjoyable,” Phillips said.

She said that by engaging students in hands-on activities in the lab, the students don’t even know they’re learning.

Phillips taught at Oklahoma State University for three years after receiving her Ph.D. at Purdue University. One of the studies she conducted was on how exercise effects the body positively and negatively.

“To decrease the health care cost in America by preventing diseases through exercise and to improve the quality of life,” Phillips said. “That’s what guided me to this profession.”

Phillips hope to publish the studies’ results when she gets them and also to get grants for future studies, she said.

“I hope to continue my research and spend time with students in the lab,” Phillips said. “I find that really rewarding.”

Phillips taught an exercise immunology graduate class at the university while teaching at OSU and has been invited many times to speak at functions.

“[Phillips] is a high-energy person and put a lot into her job and a lot of research ability,” TCU kinesiology chair Joel Mitchell said.

Alumnus Jim Nelson thinks it’s great that the college is recognizing alumni accomplishments and that the program is top-notch.

“Dean Jeanne Gerlach and the professors in the college are truly on the cutting edge in preparing future educators,” Nelson said. “There are so many outstanding Texas educators who have some tie to UTA.”

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